Jean-Antoine Carrel Trail (65): hiking at the foot of the Matterhorn
The Jean-Antoine Carrel Trail (65) is one of the most evocative routes in Valtournenche—a hiking path that traverses the alpine landscapes at the foot of the Matterhorn and symbolically retraces the history of mountaineering’s great figures.
Starting and ending in Perrères, this loop route covers approximately 30 kilometers, winding through ancient alpine pastures, moraine landscapes, high-altitude vistas, and larch forests.
An ideal experience for seasoned hikers wishing to discover the Cervinia area from an authentic perspective.
Who was Jean-Antoine Carrel?
Jean-Antoine Carrel was born in 1829 in Crétaz, in Valtournenche. Nicknamed “Il Bersagliere,” he was one of the most important figures in the history of mountaineering on the Matterhorn.
Having grown up in the valley’s mountains, he developed a deep knowledge of the alpine environment and became a highly experienced guide.
On July 17, 1865, he reached the summit of the Matterhorn via the Lion Ridge on the Italian side, just three days after the first ascent achieved by the rope team led by Edward Whymper on the Swiss side.
The trail dedicated to him celebrates the bond between this leading figure of mountaineering and the mountain that shaped his life.
The trail dedicated to him celebrates the bond between this leading figure of mountaineering and the mountain that shaped his life.
Trail No. 65 is a loop route of approximately 30 kilometers that starts in the locality of Perrères, at an altitude of about 1,850 meters.
The route traverses widely varied environments, ranging from alpine pastures and moraine areas to the high-altitude landscapes that characterize the slopes of the Cervino
The full loop takes approximately 10 hours of walking and is recommended for experienced hikers with adequate physical fitness.
From Perrères towards the Oriondé Refuge
The first part of the route climbs the valley slope, traversing ancient paths used to reach the higher mountain pastures.
As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually changes: forests give way to pastures and rocky high-mountain terrain.
One of the most striking points along the route is the Oriondé – Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,808 meters.
From this position, it is possible to admire the Cervinia from a particularly close perspective.
Plan Maison e il Lago Goillet
From the Oriondé area, the route continues through moraine landscapes towards Plan Maison, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters.
The route then passes through the area of Lake Goillet, an artificial reservoir surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.
It is a stretch that allows one to observe the Cervinia area and the landscape transformations linked to the presence of the mountain and high-altitude infrastructure.
The Chapel of Saint Anne and the return to Perrères
The route continues towards the Chapel of Sant’Anna (Notre Dame de la Garde), a site of significance for the history and traditions of Valtournenche.
The chapel is also known for the visit of Pope John Paul II during the Jubilee of 2000.
From here, the path crosses alpine pastures and natural landscapes before descending towards Perrères, completing the loop through a picturesque larch forest.
Is it possible to walk only part of the trail?
Yes. The Jean-Antoine Carrel Trail does not necessarily have to be tackled in its entirety.
The presence of various connections to the valley floor makes it possible to organize shorter excursions, selecting routes suited to one’s experience level and available time.
In any case, it is essential to check the length, elevation gain, and conditions of the specific section chosen beforehand.
When should you hike the J.A. Carrel Trail?
Trail conditions vary depending on the season, altitude, and weather patterns.
In the highest sections, snow and ice can persist even during the summer.
Before setting out, it is important to check trail accessibility, consult up-to-date forecasts, and choose a route suited to your experience level.
Completing the entire loop requires good fitness, appropriate hiking gear, and careful planning.
Discover the trails of Cervinia with Sport Center.
The Jean-Antoine Carrel Trail allows you to discover the Matterhorn through extraordinary vistas and locations linked to the history of mountaineering.
If you love trekking and wish to explore other routes in Valtournenche, visit the section dedicated to trails at Sport Center Cervinia.
Discover new hikes and let yourself be captivated by the mountains at the foot of the Cervino.
